Things to Do in Eastbourne

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Eastbourne is bursting with so many things to see and do; you might want to extend your visit to fit more of the activities in.

There are plenty of attractions and fun things to do for all ages. From theme parks and zoos to exploring the area's history, discover 1066 castles, museums and art galleries. Relax and enjoy the views of Beachy Head or our parks and gardens, sample the local produce from our vineyards and farmers markets, enjoy fun filled trips to the seaside or South Downs National Park, spend the day shopping, then soak up the local atmosphere in one of our many restaurants, wine bars or traditional pubs.

Award winning Drusillas Park offers a fun-tastic family day out that includes the best small zoo in Europe where you’ll come face to face with hundreds of exotic animals from monkeys and meerkats to penguins and pandas.

Bateman’s is the 17th century home of The Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling. The rooms are much as he left them with his Rolls Royce in the garage, a watermill at the bottom of the garden & a 300 acre estate to explore.

Meet all your favourite farmyard friends up close at daily animal activities sessions, then head outside for adventure play! Scramble across Treetop Towers, bounce on giant jumping pillows, and race on peddle go karts!

Beachy Head Countryside Centre is situated at Beachy Head, a renowned beauty spot with incredible views. The Countryside Centre has an excellent gift shop, Downland Experience giving information about the geology and history.

Buzz Active offers a variety of water based activities for everyone. Courses range from sailing to windsurfing, kayaking to powerboating. Come and try one of our taster sessions or take part in a course and learn something new today.

Enjoy carpets of white wood anemones and scented English bluebells in this 23 acre ancient oak wood with 7 interesting walks to choose from across 3 working farms. Includes walk designed for mobility difficulties.

Sports and recreation facilities include those for football, rugby, cricket, indoor and outdoor bowls, tennis, children's playground and BMX skate facility. The northern part of the Park has a large lake, shady lawns and area of woodland.

Explore Michelham’s fascinating 800 year history, from its foundation by Augustinian canons, through the destruction caused by the dissolution of the monasteries in Tudor times and into its later life as a country house.

Heritage & Museums

One of Eastbourne's most famous TV and film locations, used in Holywood blockbusters such as Harry Potter, James Bond, Pearl Harbour Robin Hood-Prince of Thieves, Notes on a Scandal, Wimbledon, and many TV series including Luther.

Bateman’s is the 17th century home of The Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling. The rooms are much as he left them with his Rolls Royce in the garage, a watermill at the bottom of the garden & a 300 acre estate to explore.

The mysterious guardian of the South Downs has baffled historians and archaeologists for years. It is signposted from the A27, between Eastbourne and Polegate and located south of the village of Wilmington.

Nestled in the South Downs, Charleston was the country meeting place for the writers, painters and thinkers known as the Bloomsbury group. It is now considered to be one of the world’s best small museums.

Stone Cross Windmill was built in 1875/6 and was in full operation up to the end of the 1930s. It fell into disrepair and eventually was taken over by Stone Cross Mill Trust with the aim of restoring it and preserving for future generations

Explore Michelham’s fascinating 800 year history, from its foundation by Augustinian canons, through the destruction caused by the dissolution of the monasteries in Tudor times and into its later life as a country house.

Eastbourne Pier opened in 1872 and is a sought after film and TV location used in Angus Thongs & Perfect Snogging, and TV series including Poirot, A Place in the Sun, Art Attack, Flog It, and BBC CCTV.

One of 74 Martello Towers built along the south coast to defend against Napoleon in the early 1800's, the Wish Tower built on grassed slopes is number 73. Featuring guided tours, special events and the popular Western View cafe next door.